Before “Aggie” was selected for Sundance 2020, I had never heard of Agnes Gund. Unless you’re very tuned into the worlds of art and social justice, you probably haven’t either, and that’s a shame — because Gund seems to be a true ally. In “Aggie,” we get to know a rich white woman who actually does something constructive with her immense wealth and power, from founding an arts program for underfunded public schools, to investing in emerging artists, to selling a prized piece, Roy Lichtenstein’s “Masterpiece,” and using the money to set up the Art for Justice Fund, which offers grants to artists and advocates working to end mass incarceration.
Directed by Gund’s daughter, Catherine Gund, “Aggie” pays tribute to a person and to the power of empathy. Agnes Gund could have gone through life amassing an extraordinary art collection and doing nothing else. But she forced herself to be aware of the world around her, its wonders and horrors alike. Why did she have access to money and opportunity when so many others didn’t? Why did people value her brothers and their dreams more than hers? Why are white people generally protected by the criminal justice system, while their Black counterparts are routinely victimized by it?
Art has allowed Gund to grapple with questions and subjects that seem overwhelming, and insurmountable. It’s also given her a way to relate to others and a way to help them, too. In addition to granting her enormous privilege and status, art has afforded her the chance to change the world for the better. That’s pretty amazing considering that most mega-rich people only seem to care about staying rich and/or getting richer.
In “Aggie” we see the very modest Gund — who doesn’t appear to be too thrilled that her daughter is making a film about her — catch up with her artist friends, be interviewed by her grandchildren, talk about her life, and, of course, discuss art. A much-needed pick-me-up, the film is both a case study of what could happen if those with a platform gave a shit, and a love letter to the healing, transformative, challenging nature of art.
“Aggie” is now screening via virtual cinemas.
